Gramsci's Politics

by Anne Showstack Sassoon

First published in 1980. This book analyses Gramsci's political theory and the consequences of his ideas for the theory of the state and of the political party. Using the new tools of analysis which have been developed in Italy the book presents Gramsci's political theory as part of the attempt to develop further a Marxist theory of politics.The book also serves as a basis for considering the theoretical foundations of political developments such as Eurocommunism and the author argues that Gramsci's political thought provides useful instruments for both a critique of Stalinism and of social democracy and offers a grounding for conceptualising democratic forms of socialism which did not simply reinforce the State. This title will be of interest to students of politics, philosophy, and history.

Genres: Theory

261 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gramsci is a favorite theorist of mine. Concept of Hegemony, study of the intellectuals role in the world (and what cat reading Gramsci ain't an intellectual? Thats why we all like him, self fulfilling....), unions, factory councils, as well as the famous primordial and gelatinous statement which showed why revolution was possible in 1917 Russia and not in the modern liberal democracies...

This seemed like a good piece on him and his politics, the Sassoons are both good writers (Ann and Donald), and was recommended by a professor of mine Peggy Kahn.

[Jake R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic guide to Gramsci's political strategy, that nicely situates his writings in their varying contexts. A little repetitive in the third, longest section on the notebooks, but it cleared up a number of thorny issues I had been confused about whilst reading Gramsci and other secondary literature. Would highly recommend as a guide.